The Weekender Saturday, December 3, 2016
Locally owned since 1867
State hits gloomier revenue projections
www.iolaregister.com
Sounds of the season Iola High School’s winter band concert filled the Bowlus Fine Arts Center with an assortment of Christmas songs and other joyful tunes. At left, the concert band performs a number. Below, trumpeteers Madison Carlin, from left, Quentin Mallette and Kayton Godfrey headlined a spectacular version of “Bugler’s Holiday.” Following the concert band was the IHS jazz band. Also on hand to perform were several Allen Community College musicians. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas still has a big hole in its budget even after reporting Thursday that tax collections in November were in line with new, gloomier revenue projections. The state Department of Revenue said tax collections last month exceeded expectations by $1.4 million, or 0.3 percent. But the comparison was with a fiscal forecast issued three weeks ago that slashed revenue projections to reflect a more pessimistic view of the economy. Even with the latest report, Kansas faces a projected shortfall of more than See REVENUE | Page A2
Toronto freelancer finds creative outlet By RICK DANLEY The Iola Register
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with the same (if not a greater) level of TLC — and it’s just down the road.
ORONTO — In 2015, the actress Gwyneth Paltrow published a holiday gift guide on her trendy lifestyle website, Goop, that promoted, among its many items, a sort of flowing, plum-colored dreamcatcher that retailed for about $500. “A gorgeous dreamcatcher that moonlights as really pretty wall décor,” the site cooed. (The same guide offered other practical suggestions, like: a rosewoodhandled truffle slicer, or, for the fitness-freak in your life, a pair of 18-karat gold dumbbells starting at $125,000.) For those poor mortals doing their holiday shopping in the Other America, however, you’ll be glad to know that there are more feasible means of achieving really pretty wall décor — crafted
AT THE FAR eastern edge of the little ramshackle town of Toronto, Kan. — just before you make the turn for Cross Timbers State Park — there is, barely visible from the road, a small salmon-colored house whose weathered cross-gabled roof rises above a tangled enclave of trees and shrubs. A hand-painted sign, sky blue with black serif lettering, leans against the roadside mailbox: “DREAMCATCHER’S FOR SALE.” And, in small lettering at the bottom, the instructions: “CALL 620-705-9344 or STOP BY.” The house is the first one on a short dead-end road. The small driveway curves into a grass-and-gravel backyard. A set of rickety stairs leads steeply up to the backdoor. (The front entry is no longer
Keagle champions giving By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
But this tender assault on the eyes is merely a precursor to the visual fiesta that awaits the visitor who steps inside. “Most of the stuff in this
What evolved into Tracy Keagle’s Santa Toy Shop began years ago when she baked cookies a few days before Christmas to give away. Husband Willie wasn’t too keen on helping with the project, but he’s a part of the story about what Keagle’s done for a good many Iolans. “Each year with the cookies, my husband complained about having to go along,” Keagle told Iola Rotarians Thursday. “After the first
See TORONTO | Page A3
See GIVING | Page A2
Amber Holland advertises her hand-crafted dreamcatchers on a sign outside her home in rural Toronto. For questions or to order a dreamcatcher — or homemade candles — call Amber at 620-705-9344. Or find her soon on Etsy. REGISTER/RICK DANLEY in use.) The porch is crowded with a colorful accumulation of domestic bric-a-brac —furniture and appliances, packed ash trays, gardening accessories, Christmas decorations, and a sign warning visitors to beware of the cat.
Downtown merchants ready to ring in Christmas Capper’s stays on top of traditions By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
Fashion trends come and go, but Brent and Carla Capper have learned all too well that some things — particularly with jewelry — never go out of style. Especially at Christmas. For example, the Cappers know most of their male customers likely won’t do much shopping until a few days remain before Christmas; but not necessarily because of See CAPPER’S | Page A5
Carla Capper, left, and daughter Jessica Oswald are hoping for brisk holiday sales at Capper’s Jewelry this year. REGISTER/RICH-
ARD LUKEN
Quote of the day Vol. 119, No. 27
By SUSAN LYNN The Iola Register
Next Friday night downtown Iola will be a holiday delight. Horse-drawn carriage rides. Santa Claus. Carolers garbed in period clothing. Stores around the square open and all aglow. And what’s that delicious smell wafting on the breeze? Roasting chestnuts? Not quite. But the Little Nut House of Yates Center will be selling roasted pecans and almonds. “It’s the closest we could come to chestnuts roasted by an open fire,” said Carol Sager, director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce,
“I intend to live forever. So far, so good.”
— Steven Wright, comedian 75 Cents
and an organizer of the Sixth Annual Spirit of Christmas Downtown event, along with Thrive Allen County and Kelly Sigg of Audacious Boutique. “All we need is a dusting of snow,” said Sigg, to transform the Iola square into a winter wonderland replete with Santa Claus, carolers and horse carriage rides while merchants keep their doors open from 4 to 7 p.m. to entice would-be shoppers. “It’s going to be bigger and better,” than previous years, Sigg predicted, adding many of the activities are for the entire family. A special attraction will be a hot chocolate See MERCHANTS | Page A3
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